To visualise and then create...

What looks good in a friend’s home may not work for your space. Interior designers Ritu and Navneet Malhotra discuss with A Varsha Rao the evolving process of designing a residential space, its many challenges and the tricks to getting it right

Cutting out glossy papers from interior design magazines, looking forward to the decor expert column in the newspaper, browsing through architecture websites — we have all been there and done that. And we also know that the process can be taxing. It’s to make things easier for Indian homeowners that interior designers Ritu and Navneet Malhotra founded Renomania, an online home interior discovery platform with the firm belief that a happy home is one which reflects the personality and tastes of its occupants. In a chat with Deccan Herald, the duo help decode home decor trends.

How’s the online home decor market faring today?

The digital world is booming by the hour and everyone is perpetually connected to social media. This change has automatically resulted in the boom of the online home decor market as well. People go online for everything nowadays, whether it is to buy a product or to get ideas. We notice an increase in adoption of online purchasing by a younger audience. Statistically, home interior is a $20 billion market currently and the growth options are immense.

What are the common concerns of homeowners when it comes to design?

One of the major problems people face online is that they cannot find inspiring pictures at a single destination. They collect pictures from magazines, foreign websites, click pictures of friends’ homes and hotel rooms. They take ages to decide the kind of look they want for their house or room. It is easy to visualise something but to put it down on paper or words is difficult. Also, finding the right professionals for the job is difficult. People also often don’t know where to look for a particular product.

Three trending decor accents...
 
* Candles –There are a variety of colourful candles in different shapes, sizes and aromas. They add to the ambience and make it more lively and vibrant.
 
* Gazebo – With gazebo in your backyard, you can enjoy your morning tea in your garden despite the strong sun.
 
* Wicker lanterns – If you have kids in the house and can’t trust them with
candles, wicker lanterns prove to be a good alternative . These add the same colourful impact in the house, while making a beauty statement. 

Trends to watch out for...
 
* Linen has a natural temperature regulatory quality that helps evaporate moisture and keeps people cool. It also adds subtlety to home decor, which is highly prized in summers. Linen stripes on furniture or vibrant florals on dry linen is the look of the season.
 
* Classic hues like white, off-white and earthen neutral shades have emerged as the top colour choices for this summer. These shades help tone the brightness and keep the house cooler. It also provides respite from the bright sun. One can go for organic colours for the walls and furniture or add decorative showpieces in blues or mustard pastel shades.
 
* Add a hint of glamour with a touch of gold, a dash of fur, animal prints or even concepts like applique or Swarovski
depending on your taste and preferences. Accessorise your home with matte to sheen gold collectibles.
 
* There is a growing preference for patterns. Consumers are going for designs and patterns like ikat on the couch, or royal velvet laced with cooler picks on the cushions. Besides that, traditional fusion with big floral patterns and tribal throws go well for the season.
 
* Tiny potted plants are a big yes! They’re easy to grow, suit any space and add a bust of colour and life to your home. Planters also have a positive effect on the mind and bring a note of freshness to the house.

Is the Indian homeowner ready for DIY?

DIY is not the norm in our country yet, especially when people are looking at making a dream home. They prefer hiring professionals as they want to be sure about what they go ahead with. Homeowners are happy calling out for help to do simple jobs like hanging a painting too. Although DIY is coming in a big way in the market and becoming a trend, there is a lot of cheap labour available today which makes it easy for people to outsource their work. But, once it does become a trend, all it’ll take is the right tools and process and DIY would be easy and doable.

Making homes eco-friendly through design...
 
* Use natural ventilation and air coolers and natural lighting through large windows, except in the west and south west directions.
 
* Insulation of roof with mud khullar and use of other natural materials help us build an eco-friendly environment.
 
* Go for minimum use of wood and opt for rainwater harvesting
 
* CFL lights and other low-energy appliances are worthy purchases.
 
* Get home some plants. They can add to the look of any space.

Five decor tips for a beautiful home...
 
* Try to have complementary colours in your house. The choice differs from person to person, but lighter hues and pastels in the house make a place look bigger and allow you to play with your furnishings. 
 
* Use of similar style or look in a room. A Victorian bed with a modern couch and Rajasthani style wooden decor is not something that would catch one’s fancy. It is better to not mix different looks; just stick to a particular theme instead.
 
* A feature wall adds substance to your room or house. You can paint that wall in a brighter colour or decorate it with metal or wooden wall hangings. You can also use asymmetrical mirror or glass work or simply decorate it with pictures of your family and friends. 
 
* Using some accent or statement furniture piece to create a focus would be a good idea. You can go for contour lounge chairs in one corner of the room against a bright wall or have a standing lamp. 
 
* Don’t clutter the space with too many things. Go by the ‘less is more’ rule and try to keep it simple.